Principle Electrical Engineer

ESPO Corporation; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 130,000 - 185,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO

Health and dental insurance

401(k) after waiting periods

Job summary

ESPO Corporation, based in Charlotte, NC, is seeking a Principal Electrical Engineer to lead electrical design for large-scale combined cycle power projects. You will oversee design criteria, review system designs, and coordinate with cross-functional teams across procurement, construction, and commissioning.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, mentoring, and ensuring compliance with NEC/IEEE/ANSI/NEMA standards while delivering high-quality EPC solutions for Power, Industrial, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from an accredited institution.
• 12–15 years of electrical engineering experience in power generation, including large-scale plants.
• Experience serving in a senior/principal role on EPC or utility-scale projects.
• Strong knowledge of NEC, IEEE, ANSI, and NEMA codes and standards.

Responsibilities

• Lead electrical engineering efforts for combined cycle projects from conceptual design through startup.
• Develop and manage electrical design criteria, standards, and philosophies.
• Direct and review electrical designs, including MV/HV distribution, protection & control, grounding, and I&C interfaces.
• Mentor junior/mid-level engineers and coordinate with multi-discipline teams.

Skills

Senior engineer

Power generation

EPC experience

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering

Job description

Principal Electrical Engineer - Direct Hire - Charlotte, NC

Job Description

Our client is seeking an experienced Principal Electrical Engineer to support large-scale combined cycle power generation projects across the region. This role offers the opportunity to work on complex, high-visibility energy infrastructure projects for leading utility and power generation clients.

Our Charlotte-based Power Generation team supports a strong and growing portfolio of combined cycle facilities, providing engineers with both long-term project stability and exposure to technically challenging work. The environment is collaborative and fast‑paced, with opportunities to lead engineering decisions, mentor teams, and directly influence project outcomes.

If you are a senior electrical engineer looking to apply your expertise on critical power projects while continuing to grow your technical and leadership impact, our client offers a rewarding and stable career path. Our client is an engineering‑driven organization known for delivering high‑quality EPC solutions across the Power, Industrial, and Infrastructure markets.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead electrical engineering efforts for combined cycle power generation projects from conceptual design through commissioning and startup
• Establish and manage electrical design criteria, standards, and philosophies for power plant facilities
• Oversee and review electrical system designs, including:
• Generator and auxiliary systems
• Medium- and high‑voltage power distribution
• Protection and control systems
• Grounding, lighting, and raceway systems
• Interfaces with instrumentation and control (I&C) and plant control systems
• Provide technical direction and oversight to electrical engineers and designers assigned to projects
• Review and approve calculations, drawings, specifications, and technical deliverables for quality and compliance
• Coordinate electrical engineering activities with mechanical, civil, structural, I&C, construction, and commissioning teams
• Ensure compliance with applicable codes and standards, including NEC, IEEE, ANSI, NEMA, and utility or owner requirements
• Develop and support engineering cost estimates, material quantities, and execution plans
• Lead technical aspects of major electrical equipment procurement, including vendor evaluations and technical reviews
• Participate in constructability reviews, hazard analyses, and formal design reviews
• Provide technical support during construction, commissioning, and startup, including site visits as needed
• Interface directly with clients, project management, and internal leadership on technical scope, risks, and progress
• Mentor and support the development of junior and mid-level engineers

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field from an accredited institution
• 12-15 years of electrical engineering experience in power generation, with significant experience on combined cycle power plants
• Experience serving in a senior or principal engineering role on EPC or utility‑scale power projects
• Strong knowledge of electrical power systems and applicable codes and standards, including NEC, IEEE, ANSI, and NEMA
• Experience supporting projects through all phases, including design, procurement, construction, commissioning, and startup

Preferred Qualifications

• Deep technical experience with combined cycle electrical systems, including generators, auxiliary power systems, medium- and high‑voltage distribution, and protection and control
• Prior experience leading or mentoring engineering teams on complex projects
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clients, project managers, vendors, and multidisciplinary teams
• Professional Engineer (PE) license preferred

Company Information

ESPO Corporation
630-789-2525

https://www.espocorp.com

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and value the benefits of diversity in our workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity and expression, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, or any other attribute or protected characteristic by law. If you need assistance applying, please get in touch with us directly.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes PTO, group health and dental insurance, and 401(k) after you have satisfied the necessary waiting periods.